Western suburbs demand crackdown on illegal flyover encroachments

Residents of western suburban localities have intensified calls for municipal authorities to regulate and control illegal structures occupying spaces beneath flyovers and along adjacent service lanes. The encroachments, which include makeshift commercial establishments and storage facilities, have persisted for nearly 15 years without intervention from civic agencies, according to community representatives.

Local residents argue that the unregulated occupation of bridge underpasses has created multiple civic problems, ranging from poor sanitation conditions to traffic obstructions. The structures also pose potential safety hazards and prevent proper maintenance of critical infrastructure, community members contend.

The issue highlights a broader challenge facing municipal corporations in managing public spaces beneath elevated highways and flyovers. Such areas, often difficult to monitor and maintain, have become attractive locations for informal commercial activities and unauthorised constructions across urban regions.

Community organisations have urged the civic administration to conduct a comprehensive survey of all encroached spaces, remove illegal structures, and establish clear regulations governing future use of areas beneath flyovers. Residents emphasise that swift action is necessary to reclaim public spaces and ensure proper urban planning compliance.